Apple has announced a comprehensive suite of new child safety and parental control features that will be introduced with iOS 27. These enhancements, unveiled during the WWDC 2026 keynote, are designed to empower parents with greater oversight and control over their children's digital experiences. The new tools include an expanded Child Account system, app and website approval mechanisms, contact management controls, and more robust Screen Time options for families.
Expanded Child Account System
A cornerstone of the update is the enhanced Child Account system. Apple stated that Child Accounts are mandatory for children under the age of 13 and are available for users up to 18 years old. These accounts enable age-based safeguards across the operating system and grant parents access to a suite of parental control tools through Family Sharing. This centralized approach ensures that parents can manage their child's device usage from a single interface.
How Child Account and Other Features Will Work with iOS 27
With the release of iOS 27, parents will gain the ability to control access to apps and online content through several new approval mechanisms. One notable addition is the Ask to Browse feature, which requires children to request permission before visiting new websites in Safari and other WebKit-based browsers. When a child attempts to access a new site, a request is sent to the parent via Messages, where they can review the URL and either grant or deny access.
Apple is also expanding the existing Ask to Buy functionality. Parents can now approve or decline app downloads, in-app purchases, and other purchases while receiving additional context about the requested app, such as its age rating and description. This helps parents make informed decisions about their child's digital purchases.
Another key addition focuses on communication. Children will need parental approval before adding new contacts to their device. When a child tries to add a new contact, a request is sent to the parent through Messages. Once approved, the child can communicate with that contact via Phone, FaceTime, and Messages. This ensures that parents have visibility into who their children are interacting with.
During the initial device setup, parents can also choose which system apps are available to their child. This creates a more controlled experience from the start, preventing access to apps that parents deem inappropriate or distracting.
Updated Screen Time Tools
Apple is revamping Screen Time with new tools to help families manage device usage effectively. A new Time Allowance feature allows parents to set daily usage limits across app categories such as games, entertainment, and social media, rather than managing individual apps. This simplifies the process of setting boundaries and ensures that children do not spend excessive time on specific types of activities.
Parents can also create customized schedules for different parts of the day, including school hours, homework periods, and weekends. These settings can be adjusted without removing existing restrictions, providing flexibility as family routines change.
Apple said that parents will receive age-based guidance when configuring time allowances, with recommendations shaped by clinical and child development research. This helps parents make informed decisions about appropriate screen time limits for their children. Additionally, children who reach their usage limits will be able to request extra time from parents to complete an activity or conversation, fostering communication and negotiation within the family.
Expanded Communication Safety
Apple is also expanding its Communication Safety system. Previously focused on detecting nudity in shared content, the feature will now intervene when it identifies gore or violence in images and videos shared through supported Apple services. This proactive safety measure helps protect children from exposure to harmful content.
The safety tool will be available across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, ensuring consistent protection across all devices. Other child-focused features include location sharing through Find My and location-based notifications that can alert parents when a child arrives at or leaves specific places, such as school or a friend's house.
Age-Range Sharing and App Store Enhancements
Apple is introducing a new way for parents to share a child's age range with apps while limiting the amount of personal information disclosed. The company said that apps can use age-range information to tailor experiences for younger users, while parents remain in control of how and when that information is shared. This balances personalization with privacy.
The App Store will continue to display age ratings for apps and maintain a dedicated Made for Kids section featuring apps designed for children aged 11 and under. This makes it easier for parents to discover age-appropriate content.
The new child safety and parental control features will roll out across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, with some tools also extending to watchOS and visionOS. Apple's commitment to child safety continues to evolve, providing parents with the tools they need to navigate the digital landscape with confidence.
